General Instrument Corporation

Annie O Chen

John I Okimoto

Eric J Sprunk

Lawrence W Tang

Erik John Elstermann

Douglas M Petty

Bridget Diane Kimball

Michael T Habrat

Jeri L Saunders

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for defining and enforcing rules of transition between two security domains, e.g., a transport domain and a persistent security domain. In turn, a border guard, e.g., a security device, is provided between these two domains that enforce rules for transition between the two security domains. This novel approach of defining a transport domain and a persistent security domain simplifies the classification of the digital content and its movement through the system. Namely, the border guard once established between the two systems can enforce DRM rules associated with how contents are moved between the two domains.

Method and apparatus for providing a border guard between security domains

A method for authorizing a computer program having a number of features for use with a product includes: receiving license data generated using a first key, the license data specifying a unique identifier associated with the product and specifying at least one feature authorized for use with the product; using a second key associated with the first key, obtaining the unique identifier from the license data; retrieving a product identifier from the product; determining whether the unique identifier corresponds to the product identifier; and based on the determination, authorizing use of the at least one feature with the product.

Methods and apparatuses for authorizing features of a computer program for use with a product

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Del Mar, CA, United States of America

Annie O Chen